US Open Court of Champions to induct Seles

FLUSHING, N.Y. — The USTA announced today that Monica Seles, a two-time US Open Champion, has been named the 2013 inductee into the US Open Court of Champions, a US Open and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center attraction honoring the greatest singles champions in the history of the U.S. Championships/US Open. Seles will be inducted during an on-court ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium prior to the Women’s Singles Championship on Sunday, September 8. Mary Joe Fernandez will host the ceremony.

“Monica Seles is not only a great champion, but a graceful competitor who inspired us all,” said Dave Haggerty, Chairman, CEO and President of the USTA. “Her captivating talent was surpassed only by a dignified courage that remains an inspiration for our sport. She truly deserves to be honored among the greatest of US Open champions.”

Seles is one of the most decorated women’s tennis players of all-time, winning nine Grand Slam singles titles, including back-to-back US Open championships in 1991-92. She captured eight Grand Slam titles before she turned 20 and is still the youngest woman ever to win the French Open at 16 years old. Seles was the world No. 1 for 178 non-consecutive weeks, ranking fifth-most in history, and won 53 singles titles on the WTA tour. Born in Yugoslavia, she began representing the United States in 1994, winning Fed Cup titles with the U.S. in 1996, 1999 and 2000 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2000. She officially retired in 2008.

The US Open Court of Champions, a 9,000-square foot outdoor pavilion bounded by the South Entry Gate and the Arthur Ashe Commemorative Garden and Sculpture, celebrates the event’s greatest champions with an individual permanent monument to serve as a lasting tribute. The attraction also features a complete listing of all U.S. singles champions since the competition began in 1881.